Book the theory test here.

The current price is £23, (Dont pay more by visiting the wrong website)

Contact the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 if you are having problems.

 The theory test centre address is:

SECOND FLOOR

SOUTH SUITE

ANGLO CITY HOUSE

2-6 SHIRLEY ROAD 

SOUTHAMPTON

S015 3EU

 You have 2 years from the date of this pass to take your practical driving test. Failure to do so will result in you having to retake the theory test again before you can attempt the practical driving test.

STEP 3 (PRACTICAL TEST)

Book the practical test here.

Contact the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 if you are having trouble booking.

 Currently costing £62 weekdays and £75 on Saturdays

There are 2 Practical Driving Test Centres in Southampton.

 Maybush Test centre

Green Lane

Southampton

SO16 9FP

Forest hills test centre

Forest hills drive

Southampton

SO18 2NT

The practical test will last approximately 40 minutes. You will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres (66ft). You will be asked a Tell me Question.

You are now ready to go for a drive and to show the examiner that you can drive in a safe and competent manner.  Demonstrate your ability to drive to a reasonable standard, obeying the rules of the highway code. You will have to do 1 reversing manoeuvre and possibly do an emergency stop. The examiner knows you don't have years of experience so they will not expect you to drive to as high a standard as themselves so relax and do your best.  

Contrary to popular belief the examiner is not going to trick you or try to catch you out. They do not have targets to meet. From the moment you get into the car you are a competent driver. The examiner will then deduct marks from you if you make mistakes. At the end of the drive if you have committed 15 minor faults or less then you will pass. 1 serious or 1 dangerous fault and you will fail.

Take Your Driving Instructor on the Test:

(This is currently not permitted under covid conditions)

When taking your Driving Test in Southampton the DVSA will be encouraging more candidates to take the person who has been teaching them to drive, on the test with them. The driving examiner will ask the candidate if they would like their instructor or person who has taught them to come on the test.

You may not like the extra person in the car so just say no thanks. But the benefit is that your instructor can see exactly where you are making mistakes in the event that you do not pass the driving test.

On very rare occasions the examiner will be accompanied on the test by their examiner. Unfortunately, you can't say no to this.

Independent Driving on your Driving Test:

The test will have approximately 20 minutes where you will follow directions from the Sat Nav or from using road signs to direct you.  DON'T PANIC..... it's not as bad as it sounds. The examiner will get you to pull up on the left. They will then tell you a route to follow.  If you go the wrong way but do it safely you will not be marked down.

This new element is designed to show you are capable of making your own decisions without relying on the prompt of a directional instruction to alert you to check your mirrors and go through your usual routines.

More accidents happen when driving ahead than they do when driving backwards, so this is why you are now only required to do 1 reverse manoeuvre. These are, Parallel Parking, Reverse Bay Park. Forward Bay Park then Reverse out of Bay.  Straight Line Reverse on Right handside of the road.

An extra element is the Emergency Stop exercise.

Please watch the following video for more information.